2. Cube Stereo 140 C62 SL 29

The double chainring up front is an odd choice by Cube, in a world that’s largely shifted to single ring designs. But hey, Shimano thinks it’s still worthwhile so we’ll give it a go.

Excuse the huge vertical pic! The best suspension fork on the market with 140mm travel, bar none. It’s the Fox Float 34, and it’s really going to help the Cube soak up rough stuff.

Gratuitous skip shot. From this angle you can see how low the saddle goes, and the wide Boost fork (the rear is Boost too).

3. Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp C 29

It’s a perennial favourite, the Stumpy has proven suspension performance and geometry. This is a carbon framed version, and feels like one of the lightest bikes here (although we’ve yet to get it on the scales yet to confirm).

OK, so we may have taken it a little further offroad than the carpark, it’s muddy already.

The SWAT door, and what’s inside: not much so far, just tool roles with nothing in. Easily enough space for food and space to stash your jacket (if it ever stops raining for a minute).

4. YT Jeffsy CF Comp 1

Last up, it’s the YT Jeffsy. And we’ve got to say, this bike is going to take some beating because it’s dripping in top end components. So if the suspension and geometry turns out to be as good as rumoured, we could be onto a winner. Carbon frame…